A total solar eclipse was observed on Ternate Island in eastern Indonesia on 9 March. It enthralled many on the remote Indonesian island and many others around the world were able to see the phenomenon through a live stream set up by the Panasonic Eclipse Live by Solar Power project.

But in other eastern parts of the archipelago where the total eclipse could be seen, clouds ruined the view for many skywatchers. A partial eclipse of the sun was visible to millions in Australia, parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Indonesia last witnessed a total eclipse in 1983 and it will be another 33 years until the next one, according to the meteorological agency.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon casts a shadow on the earth as it passes between the earth and the sun. A partial eclipse, more frequent than total eclipses, happens when the earth passes within the penumbra of the moon. The world's next total solar eclipse will occur in August 2017 and will be visible in the United States, according to Nasa.

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